“54 off 27. Game over on the last ball.”
That’s the headline everyone saw. But what unfolded in IPL 2026 last night raises far more uncomfortable questions — especially for KKR.
A dramatic chase, a young finisher channeling MS Dhoni, and a surprise bowling cameo from Cameron Green — this wasn’t just another IPL night.
It may have exposed deeper cracks.
⚡ Fast Facts
- LSG chased 182 on the final ball
- Mukul Choudhary scored 54 off 27*
- 54-run stand with Avesh Khan (who scored 1 run)
- KKR went from 98/1 to 115/4 in 5 overs
- Cameron Green bowled 2 overs for 28 runs, took 1 wicket
⏱️ Quick Gist (30-Second Read)
- Mukul Choudhary pulled off a last-ball heist for LSG
- KKR’s middle-overs collapse is becoming a pattern
- Cameron Green returned to bowling — but leaked runs
- Short-ball tactic dismissed big names like Rishabh Pant
- Concerns grow around KKR’s spin game and tempo control
What Happened — And Why It Felt Unreal
LSG were staring at defeat.
They needed 54 runs in the last four overs — a near-impossible chase.
Then came Mukul Choudhary.
Calm. Calculated. Brutal when needed.
He finished unbeaten on 54, sealing the match on the final ball — a finish straight out of the MS Dhoni playbook.
“I used to watch how Dhoni finished games,” Mukul admitted.
But here’s the twist — he didn’t do it alone.
At the other end? A silent witness.
Avesh Khan scored just 1 run in a 54-run partnership.
Must Read: Mukul’s Silence Shocks IPL — Here’s Why It Matters
📊 Key Match Snapshot
| Phase | Score |
|---|---|
| KKR (10 overs) | 98/1 |
| KKR (15 overs) | 115/4 |
| Final Score | 181/4 |
| LSG Target | 182 |
| Result | LSG won (last ball) |
Why This Match Is Raising Questions
This wasn’t just about a great chase.
It exposed something far more worrying for KKR.
🔻 The Middle-Overs Problem
KKR collapsed from 98/1 to 115/4.
That’s 17 runs in 5 overs — in a format where momentum is everything.
And it’s not a one-off.
Their struggle against spin — and inability to accelerate — is becoming a trend.
The Unexpected Twist: Cameron Green Bowls
After all the speculation, Cameron Green finally bowled.
- Registered as a “batter” in the auction
- Cleared fitness concerns
- Bowled short balls aggressively
He even dismissed Rishabh Pant.
But here’s the catch:
- 2 overs
- 28 runs conceded
Was it a comeback… or a risk?
🧠 Key Insight Box
KKR’s Core Issue Isn’t Collapse — It’s Control
- Strong starts ✔️
- Weak middle overs ❌
- Late recovery masks deeper flaws ⚠️
What Players Are Saying (And Not Saying)
Ajinkya Rahane, clearly impressed, admitted:
“He was really brave… the way he batted was amazing.”
But behind the praise lies a concern — bowlers executed plans, yet still lost.
So where did it go wrong?
Contrarian View: Are We Overhyping the Finish?
Yes, Mukul was brilliant.
But:
- KKR still posted 181/4
- Green and Rovman Powell added a crucial 70-run stand
- LSG needed a near-perfect finish
This wasn’t domination.
It was escape.
And escapes don’t fix structural issues.
What Happens Next — Watch This Closely
All eyes now shift to:
- KKR’s approach vs spin in middle overs
- Whether Cameron Green continues bowling
- LSG’s dependence on late-overs brilliance
And tonight?
An unbeaten clash between Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru — weather permitting.
🔍 FAQs
Why did Mukul Choudhary’s innings go viral?
Because he scored a match-winning 54* off 27 balls and finished a last-ball chase under pressure.
What is KKR’s biggest issue in IPL 2026?
Their middle-overs batting slowdown, especially against spin, is becoming a consistent weakness.
Did Cameron Green return as an all-rounder?
He bowled 2 overs and took a wicket, but conceded 28 runs — raising mixed reactions.
Editorial Disclaimer
This article is an analytical rewrite based strictly on the original Cricbuzz report. All facts, events, and performances mentioned are sourced directly from the provided material. No outcomes or information have been added or altered.